NBA Game Preview: Orlando Magic (25-23) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (39-11)

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This Western vs. Eastern Conference clash features the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, atop the West, hosting the playoff-contending Orlando Magic, who are battling injuries but showing resilience. The Thunder aim to reach 40 wins first, while the Magic look to rebound from a recent loss and upset the favorites.

Venue Location

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

This arena seats approximately 18,203 fans and is known for its intense home crowd, contributing to the Thunder’s strong 22-4 home record.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT / 1:00 AM GMT on February 4).

The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma (Thunder) and FanDuel Sports Network Florida (Magic), with streaming available on NBA League Pass.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with extensive injury lists, potentially impacting rotations and star availability.

Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner (F) – Out (Left High Ankle Sprain/Injury Management); Colin Castleton (C) – Out (G League – Two-Way).

Wagner’s absence is a blow to scoring and defense; expect increased roles for Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G) – Questionable (Right Index Finger Sprain); Chet Holmgren (C) – Questionable (Low Back Spasms); Isaiah Hartenstein (C) – Questionable (Right Soleus Injury Management); Jaylin Williams (F) – Questionable (Left Shoulder Contusion); Alex Caruso (G) – Doubtful (Right Adductor Strain); Jalen Williams (G) – Out (Right Hamstring Strain); Ajay Mitchell (G) – Out (Abdominal Strain); Nikola Topic (G) – Out (Groin/Testicular Surgery); Thomas Sorber (F) – Out (Torn ACL/Knee).

The Thunder’s depth is tested; if SGA and Holmgren sit, Cason Wallace and Luguentz Dort could see expanded roles.

Key Player Matchups

Injuries may alter lineups, but this game highlights OKC’s elite defense against Orlando’s young core. Expect a focus on paint control and perimeter shooting.

MatchupMagic PlayerThunder PlayerNotes
Point GuardJalen Suggs (14.2 PPG, 4.5 APG)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (if available, 31.5 PPG, 6.8 APG) or Ajay Mitchell (fill-in)Suggs’ defense vs. SGA’s scoring (MVP candidate); if SGA out, Suggs exploits mismatch.
Shooting GuardKentavious Caldwell-Pope (10.8 PPG)Cason Wallace (11.5 PPG)Veteran shooters; Wallace’s recent high (27 PTS) vs. KCP’s consistency.
Small ForwardPaolo Banchero (22.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG)Luguentz Dort (10.4 PPG, strong defense)Star matchup: Banchero’s all-around game vs. Dort’s lockdown D.
Power ForwardWendell Carter Jr. (13.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG)Jalen Williams (if available) or Aaron WigginsCarter’s rebounding vs. Williams’ versatility (out, so Wiggins fills in).
CenterGoga Bitadze (8.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG)Chet Holmgren (if available, 17.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.5 BPG) or Isaiah HartensteinPremier bigs: Holmgren’s blocks vs. Bitadze’s interior; if both questionable, Hartenstein vs. Bitadze. Bench: Magic’s Desmond Bane (scoring) vs. Thunder’s Isaiah Joe (shooting).

Recent Team Forms

Orlando Magic: 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 110.5 PPG while allowing 113.2 PPG.

Coming off a 103-112 loss at San Antonio (Feb 1); wins include upsets over contenders, but road struggles (3-7 last 10 away). Paolo Banchero averages 25 PPG recently; defense ranks mid-pack.

Oklahoma City Thunder: 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 118.4 PPG while allowing 105.6 PPG.

On a three-game win streak, including 121-111 at Denver (Feb 1); elite defense (No. 1 in league) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-level play (34 PTS in last win).

Series History

The all-time series favors the Thunder 46-26 in 72 regular-season games. 2

OKC has won the last four meetings, including a 105-99 road victory on Dec. 19, 2024. The Magic haven’t won in Oklahoma City since Dec. 29, 2020 (no fans due to COVID), and their last road win with fans was Nov. 2016. No playoff history between these teams.

Betting Trends

Magic: 19-29 ATS overall; 10-15 ATS on road; 4-8 ATS as +6.5 or more underdogs. Over in 24 of 48 games (50%). Thunder: 24-26 ATS overall; 18-8 ATS at home; 20-6 ATS as -6.5 or more favorites. Under in 28 of 50 games (56%).

Game Odds

Orlando Magic                                  220.5

Oklahoma City Thunder                – 9.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026